The tremendous world I have inside my head. But how free myself and free it without being torn to pieces. And a thousand times rather be torn to pieces than retain it in me or bury it. That, indeed, is why I am here, that is quite clear to me.

The thornbush is the old obstacle in the road. It must catch fire if you want to go further.

By imposing too great a responsibility, or rather, all responsibility, on yourself, you crush yourself.

If it had been possible to build the Tower of Babel without climbing it, it would have been permitted.

it was like this. the brain could no longer bear the worries and pains that were imposed on it. it said: "i'm giving up; but if there is anyone else here who is interested in preserving the whole, let him assume part of my burden and it will be alright for a bit.

We live in an age which is so possessed by demons, that soon we shall only be able to do goodness and justice in the deepest secrecy, as if it were a crime.

Knowledge we have. Anyone who strives for it with particular intensity is suspect of striving against it.